Hamilton’s New York Home Wins Preservation Award

Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, made a home in Harlem in 1802. And just this past year, his residence was relocated and restored as a national memorial known as Hamilton Grange.

Photo Courtesy NPS.gov

“It serves as a fitting tribute to the architect of our national government,” says Shirley McKinney, superintendent of Hamilton Grange.

And it’s a tribute deemed fit enough for the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy as well. The site received the award at the conservancy’s annual awards ceremony held last month at the New York Historical Society.

“The home is a beloved part of the community and we have heard from many of our neighbors and visitors how impressed they are with the quality of the restoration,” McKinney says.

Photo Courtesy NPS.gov

Before its restoration began, the home was actually moved from 287 Convent Avenue at 141st Street in Manhattan two blocks overto the northwest corner of St. Nicholas Park at 141st Street. In June of 2008, restoration began, but while it was opened to the public again last fall, the grange is still being improved.

Just recently, the home added replicas of the dining room chairs that Alexander Hamilton actually owned, according to McKinney.

Later this year, Hamilton Grange will add an audio tour and interactive exhibit as well.